Medically Disqualified

T

timp

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2013
Messages
2
I have finished and submitted everything needed for early action, however, my application says I am medically disqualified. I have an above average CFA (except for my 6:53 run) high academics with 34 Math and 29 Reading ACT and lots of extracurricular activities.

I wish to attend the Air Force Academy but DoDMerb disqualified me with Myopia - refractive error greater than -8.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) and I'm wondering if it is possible to get a waiver for my problem.

I don't understand because even though I am -8.50, my vision is still correctable to 20/20 with contacts or glasses. Even my eye doctor said that people with -4.00 or -6.00 can't function without corrective vision and he is confused on why the AFA chose such a number all cadets must meet. I don't wish to be a pilot but to go into the computer field and work in cyber security. Can someone help me find some guidance to finding a way to get a waiver. I have worked so hard to this point and don't want it all gone because of my vision.

Thank You
 
Medical waivers are requested by the academy, ROTC, etc. So there is really not much to do from your end, I would contact your ALO and discuss the next steps with them, they are more than able to give you the best guidance going forward. Good luck!
 
Thanks for the quick reply! I'll contact my ALO right now!
 
It is hard to get a waiver for that - I had that issue a long time ago. Close friend of family was top notch swimmer with that type of myopia and could not get waiver. Sorry to burst bubble, go ahead and try but it is so competitive that they just don't need to grant waivers.
 
timp,

My son also received medically disqualified, however for a different reason. I believe our experience was as follows:

1) USAFA requests to DoDMERB for a waiver for you. In our case they didn't grant it. We did nothing.
2) USAFA requested more info from us. We sent it and they submitted but he still didn't get the waiver.
3) He called USAFA and asked if there was anything else he could do. A staff person at USAFA told him to about a test he could do. We went and did the test and a week later we got a latter saying to go do the test. We had already done it, at our expense, so we got supporting letters and then sent to USAFA and DoDMERB. He then received medical clearance. It was a miracle at that point. We (parents) had given up hope but he kept pursuing on his own, unbeknown to us.

My suggestion is to try and see if you can find someone that has overcome this or contact staff at USAFA that may advise you. Usually ALOs don't see this as much based on my discussions with our ALO.
 
ALO's are "occasionally" involved with DODMERB and candidates; but usually ONLY because the candidate has called us!

I like the fight...if a candidate calls me..."FIGHT'S ON!" :thumb:

Work with DODMERB but...involve your ALO. If he/she isn't interested...my apologies.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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